The Beauty Brains

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… Does sunscreen block skincare ingredients in makeup from working?What do you think of The Good Face Project for cosmetic formulation?Does AO2 Clear help treat acne?What would be a cheaper dupe for StriVectin Anti-Wrinkle Line BlurFector Primer?Do infrared hair tools damage hair, and do heat protectant oils actually work?Beauty News What happens when clean has to mean something Approximate timestamps 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Chi...

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2026

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… Is it a good idea to put pure glycerin on skin?Can a salon professional attend a cosmetic chemist course?Why don’t all Amlactin lotions smell bad?Is there a good two in one shampoo on the market?Are there differences in ingredient quality between brands?Beauty News Why would dangerous chemicals be allowed in the us but banned in the EU? Register for Valerie's Hair Science course Extras: Perry's Kitten microneedling - ...

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2026

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… What’s the difference between Cetaphil and AmLactin? How do you know if a sunscreen is delivering the SPF they claim?Are copper peptides better than retinol?How do you to stay smoother longer after shaving?Can extreme heat or cold affect the performance of a beauty product?Beauty News Is this really new technology? In cosmetics hot ingredient PDRN Best podcasts Animal products in cosmetics Approximate timestamps 0:00 ...

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2026

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover questions including… Does NAD skincare actually have real efficacy data?Do hair masks give better results if they are left on longer?Does shampooing after depositing the color weaken or degrade it?Is glycerin drying skin at high altitudes?Beauty News Refillable beauty products. Innovation or a gimmick? Approximate timestamps 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Chit chat 8:45 - Refillable beauty products 13:20 - Listener feedback - estrogen skincare 16:10 - NAD skinca...

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2026

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… What are our thoughts on The Hair Multiplier from Le Jardin?We’ll look at Paula’s Choice new longevity serumWhat’s going on with Leaked Labs?Are various hair products bad for curls?Beauty News Taking beauty advice from scientists. Valerie's quoted article. Henkel buys olaplex Panthenol talk Supplier's day mentioned in the show Approximate timestamps 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Chit chat 5:45 - Silicones and hair 9:00 - Takin...

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2026

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… What’s the scoop on rice protein for hair?Can one improve the texture of synthetic hair?Are azelaic acid and copper peptides compatible?Will Alpharet improve 60 year old hands?What are alternatives to Crown Affair’s air dry mousse?Beauty News Does rosemary oil help with hair growth? Rosemary oil vs minoxidyl What happened to Vegan brands? Cosmetic ingredient safety checker app. Approximate timestamps 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Ch...

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2026

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… What is nonenal odor and how do you minimize it? Does panthenol make a shampoo better?What’s an alternative to Matrix step one bleach amplifier?How expensive is it to test a product?How do you become a cosmetic chemist?Beauty News Wirecutter hired a chemist to tell if products were real or dupes. Approximate timestamps 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Chit chat 7:00 - Who are the Beauty Brains? 19:00 - Real or Dupe products 28:30 ...

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2026

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… Are there hydrogen peroxide free glosses for hair?Is retinaldehyde better than adapelene?What are our thoughts on cosmetics in terra cotta containers?Are oils or water better for locking in moisture to hair?How do you start your own skincare line?Beauty Questions Adapelene study - Clinical efficacy of adapalene (differin(®)) 0.3% gel in Chilean women with cutaneous photoaging Start a cosmetic line webinar Approximate times...

Transcribed - Published: 13 February 2026

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… How much does it really cost to make products?Does goat milk have benefit on skin?Is the Paula’s Choice new serum amazing? Is Glycerin bad for hair?What ingredients should you look for in a makeup primer?Beauty News FDA doesn’t determine safety of PFAS Men’s skin care line. Approximate timestamps 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Chit chat 4:00 - Beauty News 14:00 - How much do products cost 18:30 - Goat milk and Paula's Choics 28:...

Transcribed - Published: 2 February 2026

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… What are your thoughts on Pantene’s Abundant and Strong system?Is The Ordinary Lash Curl Finisher safe?Do we have recommendations on barrier repair moisturizers?Are ionic hair dryers better for your hair?Is there anything unique about the Renpure Coconut Whipped Creme Leave-in Conditioner?Beauty News Top 10 beauty brands Beauty Question Below are two videos talking about the science of the hair care system: https://youtu.b...

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2026

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover questions including… When do you need heat protectors in products?What do you think of color locker products from Fanola?Should we be worried about chemicals in our laundry detergent?Plus! our big start of the year prediction show! Predictions General trend Hot ingredient Celebrity launch Beauty News What’s the secret to good skin care? Have a lot of money C&T most popular stories of the year Strange skin treatments Approximate timesta...

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2026

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… Do low pH shampoos preserve color?Can a supplement provide you sun protection?What effects does hard water have on hair color?How significant are the health risks to taking topical tretinoin?What’s the difference between aerosol and non aerosol sprays?Beauty News NY SCC meeting FDA withdraws talc rule. New sunscreen in US Electrokinetics confirms BTMC is best conditioner! Question links Science direct article Cleveland cli...

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… Can you mix sunscreens to change the tint of the product?Is California Naturals a good hair care optionHow do you talk to a clean beauty believer?How do you control frizz?What’s wrong with Decyl Glucoside in hair care products?Beauty News Opinion issued on Tea Tree oil in products Unregulated masks are flooding the market 7 hair care launches shaping the future of products Approximate timestamps 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Chit ch...

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… How do you know when an ingredient is in a formula at a working %?Why would a company use a dangerous ingredient in their product?Do heat-less curls damage hair?What’s the deal with Milk Shake Direct Color?How do hair color products with conditioning effects work?Beauty News Science News - Valerie quoted speaking about the skin’s barrier Bond builders - do they work? Approximate timestamps 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Chit chat 3:2...

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… How long do heat protectants last? Is there a meaningful difference between different red light therapy masks?Why would an anti-aging cream be really expensive?Can you just use rubbing alcohol to prevent itching and ingrown hairs?In an antioxidant balm, will the antioxidants absorb into the skin or stay on top?Beauty News Augustinus Bader backs Dua Lipa’s wallet-friendly line. Are beauty products going all become the ...

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… Why would Differin be more irritating than prescription Adapalene?How do you know which retinol lotion to use?What is your opinion of k18 hair mask?Is Tubby Todd All Over Ointment really effective for baby acne?What ingredients help hair color last longer?Beauty News Chief sustainability officer steps down Really? Oral supplement can reduce wrinkles in 12 weeks Approximate timestamps 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Chit chat 4:45 - Be...

Transcribed - Published: 17 November 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover questions including… What do you think of the young goose line of productsHow do silicones work in hair care products?How does Cetaphil nourishing oil to foam cleanser work?Are those outdoor sunscreen stations providing effective product?Does light from your cell phone affect your skin?Beauty News 1. 5 recent breakthroughs in cosmetic science 2. Beauty industry giants collide for cosmetic safety to end ‘historical lack of collaboration’ 3. How r...

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… Why would a company reformulate a product?Do different hair products cancel each other out?What sources do you recommend where consumers can educate themselves?What hair ingredient could be staining your shirt?Is a lotion with CBD oil suitable for sensitive skin?Beauty News Pycnogenol in skin care K beauty causing problems? SPF updates: SPF 50 Sunscreen investigation Approximate timestamps 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Chit ch...

Transcribed - Published: 20 October 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… Is it a good idea to load up a product with active ingredients?What do you think of the Ziip Halo device?How do you remove mineral sunscreen from your skin?What do humectants really do in hair?What is Neogen plasma skin regeneration?Beauty News What the Hell Are Skin-Loving Cosmetics? Do you think that is true? I’m cynical but even I think that sounds a bit over the top. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vvht6jMYlY Pt...

Transcribed - Published: 12 October 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… Is the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology a reliable source for peptide information?How do you know if a product with an active has enough to be effective?Does topical estrogen improve skin?Do at-home microneedling devices work, and is hypochlorous acid spray for skin care?Is a salon detangler different than one you can buy in the store?Beauty News We were on the radio Washington State bans formaldehyde preservatives. ChatGPT...

Transcribed - Published: 4 October 2025

Send us Fan Mail On this show we cover lots of questions including… How can you tell if a new product is just a name change or the formulas are different?Why can’t companies sell mousse sunscreens?Why is purple shampoo drying?What’s the deal with OS-01 peptide? / What are your thoughts on Molecular Mesh?How do you deal with rosacea? Beauty News Do collagen supplements really improve skin? Is VO5 better than Pantene Approximate timestamps 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Chit chat 5:45 - Beauty news - Col...

Transcribed - Published: 8 September 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… Do non-UV wavelengths of light also damage the skinAre Dr Emi Arpa products truly innovative or just driven by trendy marketing? Does using an ultra-plush, water-only makeup remover cloth cause significant mechanical exfoliation?Are there baby products that people should use and avoid?Do facial serums work?Beauty News Ozempic face aging - Valerie is quoted J&J settles privacy lawsuit Approximate timestamps 0...

Transcribed - Published: 29 August 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… What is the right way to apply sunscreen sticks? What role do oils, butters, and silicones actually play in haircareDo you need less anhydrous sunscreen than lotion based ones?Do all hair masks work the same way?Beauty News PETA suspends Beauty without Bunnies program Can We Stop Hating on Chemicals In Skincare, Please and Thanks? Urban decay reformulation - is L’Oreal trying to cheapen the product? Price analysis of ...

Transcribed - Published: 16 August 2025

Send us Fan Mail On this show Valerie is back and we cover... Does product build-up cause breakage?Is a chemical exfoliant better than a soft silicone scrubber? What are your thoughts about beef Tallow facial creams?Are rinse-free shampoos any good?Beauty News Safer Beauty Bill Martha Stewart launches a line Approximate timestamps 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Chit chat 5:50 - Beauty news - Safer beauty bill 11:20 - Martha Stewart beauty 15:15 - product build up on hair 19:55 - Exfoliating 21:40 -...

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… Are the IS Clinical Hydra Cool products special?What do we think of the anti-aging and effectiveness of Pavise?What ingredients might be responsible for the great results in a conditioner?What can be done about under eye dark circles?How do you practice sun safety diligentlyApproximate timestamps 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Chit chat 3:50 - Natural talk 11:05 - IS Clinical 17:10 - Pavise sunscreen 26:50 - Kerastas conditioner 32:1...

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… How do you know if a product is providing heat protection?What kind of damage can high force air do to wet hair?What makes a facial mask work amazingly?What is really important when using sunscreen?Do red light masks spur collagen growth?Beauty News Buzzy skincare ingredients - which do you think are the most promising? Approximate timestamps 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Chit chat 4:50 - Beauty News - Buzzy ingredients 14:55 - Beau...

Transcribed - Published: 6 July 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… How does different water affect the performance of hair products?Do you really need to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours?Can rinse out conditioner and a deep conditioner or mask be used interchangeably?Does Avene makeup removing micellar water really work?Are '20 free; or '12 free' nail polishes safer? Beauty News Peptides in moisturizers. Do you really need them? Troubling world of dupe fragrances Stop falling ...

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… How do you know if a product has gone bad? Are the results from Retinol comparable to Retin A?Is Pantene bad for hair?Can you use skin products on your scalp?Is it ok to use a metal spoon to mix vitamin C?Are salt sprays safe to use? Beauty News Fat Mascara taking a break? The best shampoos for men? Sydney Sweeny bath soap sparks controversy Approximate timestamps 0:00 Intro 1:00 Chit Chat 8:20 Beauty News - Best...

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2025

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of "The Beauty Brains," host Valerie George and guest Sarah discuss the latest beauty industry trends, including Pros’ new customizable scalp serum and the growing focus on scalp care. They share honest opinions on mass market versus premium shampoos, debunking common myths and highlighting their personal favorites. The conversation covers product effectiveness, ingredient misconceptions, and the importance of tailoring hair care to individual needs. They also...

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… Can you re-emulsify a broken product?How do you treat sunburned skin?Do you have to use the matching conditioner with a shampoo?How effective are heat protectantsDo regular hydrolyzed proteins build up on hair?Beauty News Protein to restart hair growth Hair color litigation Social media influencing ingredient choice Huda drops claims after saying it was the “strongest setting spray ever” Valerie on another podcast? Beauty ...

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2025

Send us Fan Mail On this show we answer questions like... What do you think about the hair loss product Calecim? What is the deal with Banana Boat's Light As Air sunscreen?Are personal care products filled with harmful toxins?What are your thoughts on the DECIEM company? Are they sketchy?And finally we’ll end with a series of patron hair questions.Beauty News NPR chemical story Huffpost toxic ingredients Best wrinkle creams according to Good Housekeeping Question links: Calecim products ...

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… What is a good leave-in conditioner that has only a little bit of protein?What is special fraction petrolatum?Is wet hair more resistant to chlorine than dry?How does Violet #2 work in hair & what’s a hair toner?Can you layer an Ascorbyl Glucoside product over an L-Ascorbic Acid product?Beauty Science Best new skincare ingredients 1. Retinol Alternatives (e.g., Bakuchiol) 2. Malassezin 3. Growth Factors 4. Sturgeon DNA...

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

Send us Fan Mail It's a solo episode for Perry today as the Beauty Brains travel schedule made it too difficult to record together. But we'll be back together next show. In the meantime, enjoy these answers to a variety of questions sent in including... 1. Is Ethylhexylglycerin a suitable preservative?2. What are your thoughts about coenzyme Q10?3. Do hair thinning shampoos really help?4. What are the best ingredients for skin and hair?5. What do you make of this research article about parabe...

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… Are cosmetic products filled with microplastics? What do you do about facial hair?Is jojoba oil good to use with retinol?How can a formula with hypochlorous acid and azeleic acid be stable?How do you handle acne at the hair line?Beauty News Will printed skin replace animal testing? Is Gelatin the same as a Collagen supplement? Is California going to ban anti-aging products for people under 18? J&J Talc case update...

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

Send us Fan Mail On this show we cover questions including… Can you highlight hair after getting kenalog injections?Is protein overload a real thing?Can Witch hazel can prevent or get rid of acne?Is Alastin Skin Nectar beneficial?How can you deal with the razor burnBeauty News Are consumers really getting more educated? Time Stamps 0:00 - Intro and chit chat 5:10 - Beauty News 12:30 - Highlighting hair 14:45 - Protein overload 21:00 - Witch Hazel and acne 29:20 - Alastin skin nectar 35:...

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover the following questions: Does beef tallow do anything for skin?What can you do to address the effects of second hand smoke on skin and hair? What should you consider when picking humectants?Why are cheap conditioners so thin?What does it mean for a fatty acid to swell?Beauty News Articles like this have been showing up in my feeds. 68 year olds spring skin routine made sagging skin 43% firmer? 47 year old skin became 42% firmer? Time Stamps 0:00 ...

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover questions including… Can you make your own grey treatment shampoo at home?Is an at-home micro needling system a great addition to skin care routine? What is squalene and why does my skin love products that have it in it?Why can’t you feel the menthol effect everywhere as strongly?What’s the difference between body lotion or cleanser and face lotion or cleanser?Beauty News Are beauty labels lying to you? Can you really create beauty products that ...

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

Send us Fan Mail On this show we cover questions including… How does a dye shampoo work?How do you deal with excessive sebum?Are dry shampoos dangerous?How can a company sell azaelic acid products without requiring a prescription?Does Sh-Polypeptide-9 stimulate capillary growth?Are natural fragrances toxic to aquatic life? Beauty News Biggest fragrance trends for 2025 What is antipollution beauty? Questions SkinSAFE Instant Dye Shampoo Vivier GrenzCine serum Time Stamps 0:00 - Intro and ...

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… Can you mix chemical exfoliant with a hydrating serum to dilute the exfoliant?Is using a topical minoxidil for women safe to use on eyebrows?Does shampoo really strip all the lipids from your hair?Is the Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Cream properly preserved?Do we know of a good website to find allergenic ingredients in products?Beauty News First lawsuit of the year! What you should know about the toxins in beauty products. Qu...

Transcribed - Published: 5 February 2025

Send us Fan Mail On this show we cover questions including… What are our thoughts on eye lash glues?What polymers are used in tubing mascara?What is inflammaging and is it going to be a big trend this year?Does Estriol cream live up to its claims?How do you restore hair's natural texture and manageability after washing? Beauty News Top 10 most beautiful women according to science? Best ingredients for mature skin Time Stamps 0:00 - Intro and chit chat - bug bites, cat in the wall update ...

Transcribed - Published: 30 January 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… How much should you trust seals of approvals on product labels?What do you think of Brooke Shields hair care line?What makes a good lip mask and day cream?What are your thoughts on the Geek & Gorgeous brand?Why would a brand include two hydroquinone-based lightening creams with the same active ingredient and concentration?Beauty News FDA bans red #3 from food. Time Stamps 0:00 - Intro and chit chat - black eye, c...

Transcribed - Published: 22 January 2025

Send us Fan Mail On this show we cover lots of questions including… How effective are growth factors in topical products?Can low dose Minoxidil pills treat hair loss in women?Does air drying cause more damage than blow drying?What shampoo & conditioner won’t weigh down fine hair?Can a dark spot serum work to reduce pigmentation?Beauty News The Rock - Papatui Study validates anti-aging benefit of collagen peptides? Time Stamps 0:00 - Introduction / chit chat 7:45 - The Rock hair care 10:30...

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… Is it ok to use self-tanner under your eyes and around your lips?Are PFAS the ingredients that cause products to self-foam?How can a silicone protect hair up to temperatures of 450 degrees?Are certain types of products worth getting the more expensive product?What is the chemistry of nanoplasty?But first… Beauty News FDA proposes new test for talc containing products. Walmart says it won’t hit its’s emission goals. Five Wa...

Transcribed - Published: 8 January 2025

Send us Fan Mail On today's show, we just chit chat about the year in beauty, our goals for next year and answer a couple of questions. Thanks for all your support and we look forward to more Beauty Q&A in 2025!! Five Ways to Ask a question - 1. Send us a message through Patreon! 2. You can record your question on your smart phone and email to thebeautybrains@gmail.com 3. Send it to us via social media (see links below) 4. Submit it through the following form - Ask a question 5. Leave a v...

Transcribed - Published: 31 December 2024

Send us Fan Mail On this show we cover questions including… What do you think of Oneskin products?Are there any good beauty finds in the EU that you can’t find in the US?Will hair water damage hair over time?Do you have to wash the sweat out of your hair every time?Can a cream really “firm” or lift the neck? Prediction show! Time stamps 0:00 - Intro and chit chat 5:00 - Prediction review from 2024 14:15 - Beauty predictions for 2025 25:30 - Oneskin products 29:00 - European Beauty Finds ...

Transcribed - Published: 21 December 2024

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover questions including… What can you use to fight static?Is it ok for babies to eat sunscreen?What are the best ingredients to use for conditioning?What is the difference between body wash and hand soap?How does the performance of the various retinols compare to retin-A?Beauty News Company is being sued for calling themselves “natural” Beauty influencers. What do we think of these DIY options Time stamps 0:00 - Intro and chit chat 4:00 - Beauty New...

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2024

Send us Fan Mail It's a solo episode today but lots to cover including... Are quats in hair conditioners causing bacterial resistance?What do you think of WISH skin health products?Do more expensive heat protectant products provide better protection?How do you figure out whether hair is high or low porosity?Is it worth buying products online instead of in drug stores?Are patented ingredients really game-changers, or just marketing tricks?Time stamps 0:00 - Intro and chit chat 3:30 - Quaternar...

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2024

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover lots of questions including… Can layering sunscreens make them less effective?Why can’t you use L’oreal wonder water on your scalp?What’s the history of using blue light to treat acne?Is it damaging to use a pre-treatment on hair?When can you call a formula a “dupe”?Beauty News The Beauty Brains were on the Pretty Curious podcast. Approximate timestamps 0:00 Chit chat - Pretty Curious podcast, Thailand, Lip problems 7:40 Vitamin C derivatives follow-u...

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2024

Send us Fan Mail On today’s show we cover the following questions… What is required to become a cosmetic chemist?Why don’t beauty products always have a safety seal on them?Questions about makeup spongesHair bonding questionsApproximate timestamps 0:00 Chit chat - Who's responsible for beauty industry misinformation? 6:00 Cosmetic Chemist Career question 15:30 Safety seals on cosmetics question 22:15 Makeup sponge question 27:30 Hair bonding question Five Ways to Ask a question - 1. Send us a...

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2024

Send us Fan Mail Sorry we haven't gotten an episode out in a while! I've been literally traveling (South America) and it was difficult to get a joint episode recorded. But Sarah Bellum stepped in and Valerie and her put together this episode where they talk about their favorite products. We'll be back next episode with all new Q&A! But for now, enjoy some Beauty Product Talk. Perry, 44 Support the show

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2024